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Steam Whistle Pilsner BlogMon, 02 Mar 2015 16:32:56 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1Shawn William Clarke – Interviewhttp://www.steamwhistle.ca/blog/2015/02/02/shawn-william-clarke-interviews/
http://www.steamwhistle.ca/blog/2015/02/02/shawn-william-clarke-interviews/#commentsMon, 02 Feb 2015 21:41:28 +0000http://www.steamwhistle.ca/blog/?p=2777Shawn William Clarke does a few things (really, really well). By day he’s an integral part of our filtration team at Steam Whistle Brewing. By night he’s a talented singer/songwriter whose latest critically acclaimed album “William” was awarded runner up in Now Toronto’s Best Singer/Songwriter poll. We got a chance to catch up with Shawn last week to ask him a few questions about his own musical tastes before his upcoming show at the Wavelength pop up event at Hunt Club this Friday.

What would be your dream venue to play in Toronto?

The ultimate dream for me would be Massey Hall. It’s really one of the most beautiful venues in the city, and has a really rich musical history. I’ve seen a countless number of heroes grace that stage, it would be something else. It doesn’t even have to be a show. I just want to get up with a guitar. Play one song. Please.

Why Vinyl?

Purely selfish reasons. I’m a bit of a vinyl junkie, and I just wanted to see the spine of my own album in with my favourites! I really love the ceremony that goes with vinyl, it demands to be listened to, more so then digital files. I also love album art, the dimensions of a record displays the art (in my case by Jessica Rae Gordon) so nicely!

What’s your favorite record shop in Toronto?

It really depends on what I’m looking for. I love stopping in Sonic Boom to look around. I’ve bought the most music from Soundscapes, though. Their listening stations are dangerous, I rarely leave empty handed! I actually just checked out a new place on Dundas West (near Roncesvalles) called Tonality. They have a really cool set up where they display albums by record label (all independent) instead of recording artists. Maybe a little niche, but cool!

How do you start your songwriting process? Do you have any tips for overcoming writer’s block?

The process usually starts with just me and a guitar. The music seems to come first, then I hum a melody on top of that. After those things are in play, I sound out a few words and the ideas (hopefully) start to flow!

I’m generally a pretty slow songwriter, there were 4 years between my first and second album, so any writers block tips I have probably won’t be too helpful. It’s good to be able to accept that some days creativity just isn’t going to come.

What’s the weirdest thing that sparked a song idea?

Hmm… good question. On my first album there’s a song called “Untitled” which is about not being able to write a song. It ends with a chorus singing “la la la’s”. It’s pretty meta.

What’s your favorite hidden gem in Toronto

I think Toronto has some really great rep cinemas. My all time favourite was a place called Trash Palace. They used to show 16mm prints of genre and cult films out of a basement print studio. Sadly they shut down that location, but they still show prints once a month at the Revue Cinema. Soooo yeah, go see a flick at a rep theatre!

You can catch Shawn preforming alongside Anamai at the Steam Whistle curated music night of the Wavelength pop up on February 6th. This all encompassing pop up is happening until Feb 15th and will feature a poster and photograph exhibit, installations, music talk series as well as intimate concerts. The best part is, it’s all PWYC – so don’t miss out!

]]>http://www.steamwhistle.ca/blog/2015/02/02/shawn-william-clarke-interviews/feed/0Lee has the Eye of the Tigerhttp://www.steamwhistle.ca/blog/2014/08/22/lee-has-the-eye-of-the-tiger/
http://www.steamwhistle.ca/blog/2014/08/22/lee-has-the-eye-of-the-tiger/#commentsFri, 22 Aug 2014 18:45:02 +0000http://www.steamwhistle.ca/blog/?p=2248

It all started out unwittingly enough… a group of Steam Whistle staff decided to head to Lee’s Palace after work to attend the Air Guitar Championships to support a fellow co-worker and great cause (Right To Play). When Lee walked into Lee’s Palace that night he had no idea he’d be walking out as Air Guitar royalty.

Photo Credit: Nick Cheeseman

After the first round of contestants took the stage for their one minute performances – The MC called out for the Dark Horse Round (people who enter spontaneously). Little did Lee know his name was on a paper and that paper was working the way to the stage. When the MC called his name he almost didn’t go up at all.

Lee’s work clothes would not do – after a quick rummage around in the costume box his wardrobe was decided; a pair of rainbow Hammer pants would be the vestment that led him to victory.

The music choice was not his own but one he’d heard a few times before and Black Betty was easy enough to get into. By the time he found his groove the crowd started losing their minds over every high kick and flip he pulled out of his bag of tricks and in that very moment….BRYMTIME was born!

After taking home the regional qualifier round and his prize (ironically enough A VIP Steam Whistle tour) Lee didn’t know what to make of this newfound Air Guitar World. He loved the energy of the event, the charitable spirit, positivity and passion surrounding the Air Guitar scene – but he didn’t grasp how this road to the Air Guitar Championships might change his life.

There was a month between The Regional Qualifiers and The Canadian Championships and Lee took the opportunity to spend time with his family. His parent’s didn’t realize the level of notoriety around their son’s new found achievement until he was out for lunch with his mom one day and his phone started ringing with interview requests from Breakfast Television and CBC which he declined to spend time at his family cottage – Talk about keeping it real!

When the fateful day of the Canadian Championships arrived – Lee had it in the bag (It meaning the tiger onesie he brought for his Eye of the Tiger performance) He quickly advanced to the finals where all competitors were judged on the same song. This time it was Journey classic – Any Way You Want It.

As the judges tabulated the scores – Lee couldn’t believe his ears when he received the highest combined score and was handed the metal-worked trophy that marked his achievement as Canada’s Air Guitar Champion.

The final step of Lee’s journey is a transatlantic one – taking him all the way to Oulu, Finland where he’ll be competing against the rest of the world in the Air Guitar Championships. With his tiger onesie packed Lee is poised to take Finland and the rest of the world by storm; he’s got the eye of the tiger after all.

The Good Beer Folks (GBF) are synonymous with Steam Whistle Brewing. But behind the fancy title are the people who make it real. Nancy Goodchild is one of those people. Nancy is our officer manager and her golden voice greets people on our phones. She excels as our Director of First Impressions, although her business card title is Queen Mother III which acknowledges both her love of The Royals and her role in caring for our brewery family.( Here is Nancy holding a painting by Jenny Henderson on the back of a skateboard)

As one of the brewery’s first employee, Nancy is a bit of a celebrity in Steam Whistle’s neck of the woods. If you’ve ever taken a tour or given the office a call – you’ve probably encountered Nancy. Her positive attitude, unmistakable voice, and ability to work magic from her desk makes her a true gem of Steam Whistle. So why is she so special? Here’s a little run down:

She keeps us grounded

Nancy is always around to remind us to celebrate and acknowledge what matters most – people and being good to people. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, party or a monthly staff gathering- the Queen Mother III is always there organizing and getting people together. When asked about why, Nancy explained that “I’m not just an employee here, these people are my family. Cam and Greg have been instrumental to my life to a degree only my parents have been.” (Pic courtesy of TakeMorePhotos)

She helps keep us green

Steam Whistle has a long list of ways we’re working to help save our planet and Nancy has contributed with some green office initiatives. For instance, if it weren’t for her researching, questioning and ordering we would not be greening our paper supply. Since the spring, Steam Whistle Brewing have been a proud user of Step Forward Paper. This is an almost tree-free paper. Made of 80% Wheat Straw and 20% FSC fibre and without any chlorine, this paper is the brainchild of Prairie Paper Ventures and its founders Clayton Manness, Jeff Goldman and actor & environmentalist Woody Harrelson. So far the Step Forward Paper has saved enough trees to stretch 20x higher than Mt. Everest! It was Nancy’s research that got the ball rolling on this after Greg had read an article. When asked about the process she said “It was really easy because it’s such a nice company. I was really impressed working with Jeff, he helped get us what we needed and to get us switched over.”

She keeps us going

On top of ensuring that every phone call is answered, packages sent, calendars organized and smiles are made –Nancy keeps us going and fueled by making delicious smoothies filled with all natural ingredients! A fav was the peanut butter smoothies made with protein, bananas, peanut butter and greek yogurt. Nancy explains that “Wellness is important to me. I try to think of a way that makes people stop working for a moment and spend some time together. I read in an article that making food together is a great way to bond and thus Smoothie Wednesday was born.” (This smoothie is not a Nancy Smoothie but it looks just as delicious. Photo credit Ginnerobot)

She keeps is updated on the Royals’ gossip

Talk about someone who could write their own novel, Nancy has a bucket list that would make any monarchy enthusiast drool. Nancy is a walking encyclopedia for all things royal and celebrity. When asked about her most epic memories two take the the cake. In her words; ” The most awesome moment was when I was one of the first allowed in the room at the Design Exchange to see Diana’s dresses. There they were, all 14 of her dresses in glasses boxes on headless manikins. It was just completely overwhelming.” But this was not the only 1st she has claimed. Because of Steam Whistle’s longtime support of our troops, Nancy was the only women among 120 soldiers who got to shoot guns with Prince Andrew – random yes but an incredible story nevertheless.

In the end, a lot of people think of Steam Whistle Brewing for its beer, and rightfully so. But all that amazing beer is made with the warmth, kindness and energy of the Good Beer Folks like Nancy.

Not to brag, but we truly do have a one of a kind team here at Steam Whistle. After all, an exceptional Pilsner calls for an exceptional team!

One of the unique things about Steam Whistle is that every promotion piece or advertisement you see or hear uses our own Good Beer Folks and employees. For example, our radio ads feature the voices of our co-founders and our new “beer girl” is no different. If you take a browse on our website (including the top of this very blog), come across a tour voucher or other promotional material featuring this lady pouring a pint, you’ll see Bailey:

Bailey, Steam Whistle Distribution Coordinator.

How did you get started at Steam Whistle?
At the time my good friend Trish was working with Steam Whistle’s Retail department. She kept raving about how much she loved going to work every day and the many functions she worked! Her positive attitude was infectious. I began attending various Steam Whistle parties over the next couple of months and everyone I met had the same outlook on their job. Needless to say, I was not only hooked on the beloved Pilsner Steam Whistle produced but also the work atmosphere. I applied the first chance I could and the rest is history…

What made you want to work for a brewery?I always wanted to be the girl at the party with the awesome job!

Landing a Brewery job was an added bonus because I now have the ability to bring life (beer) to the party also!

What is your role at Steam Whistle?I work with our Distribution Department, mainly focusing on co-ordinating our Home Delivery program and Licensee/LCBO orders.

Favourite place to enjoy a Steam Whistle?Honestly, I’d have to say the Roundhouse!

Nothing is better than kicking my legs up and enjoying a tasty beverage with my co-workers at the end of our week!

Favourite part of working here?I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of the most interesting people who come to visit our Brewery every day. It’s the stories from our guests that keep me going and remind me of how rewarding it is to work for Steam Whistle.

Cheers Bailey! Come by our brewery – you’ll most likely see her enjoying a Pilsner right here at the Roundhouse.